When your workers' compensation claim is denied, you might turn to a workers' comp law firm, and they might recommend that you file a lawsuit. If this is the case, you might then be issued written interrogatories. These are questions that are issued by the opposing party, which you must answer. However, you will want to consult with your workers' comp law firm before doing so.
How the Workers' Compensation Claim Process Works
Usually, after an accident at work, you will inform your employer about the accident. They will then inform the workers' compensation insurance provider. You will receive treatment for your injuries and the workers' compensation insurance provider might also request that you meet with a physician of their choice.
If they believe that you are injured and that your injuries were caused by the accident, you will be compensated for medical bills and lost wages. If they do not believe you were injured at work, they may deny your claim. In some rare cases, a workers' compensation case might escalate to the level of a lawsuit.
Determine Whether Interrogatories Are Allowed
Some states do not allow for interrogatories because they are considered to place too much of a burden on the individual issuing the claim. For example, in California, all cases must be accomplished as inexpensively as possible. However, in other states, you might be required to respond to a written interrogatory.
What to Expect
You will be asked a series of questions and will have to answer them honestly under penalty of perjury. Depending on the state in which you reside, the number of questions the opposing party can ask might be limited.
The questions will often involve the injury you suffered, whether you have any disabilities, whether there are any witnesses to your accident, and the medical treatments you have received. You will want to ask your workers' compensation lawyer about whether you can object to any of these questions.
The Role of the Written Interrogatories
The insurance provider will want to use the written interrogatories so they can learn about the facts of the case so they can better make a determination. For example, if the insurance provider might not believe that you were actually injured at work, you may be asked questions that are meant to confirm the source of your injuries.
Because your handling of the written interrogatory can affect your workers' compensation case, it's important to complete this process with the help of a lawyer.
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